Western Carolina University

Degree Offered: Master of Science (M.S.)

Departmental Website: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - M.S.

Program Description: Western's program in counseling provides students with academic and field experience leading to a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (formerly "Community Counseling"). The program is a minimum two years in length consisting of a minimum of 60 semester hours.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares individuals for employment as counselors in diverse settings such as mental health / substance abuse centers, juvenile court / public offender systems, community and four-year college counseling / career planning centers, etc.

Graduates from the program may begin the application process for professional counselor licensure in North Carolina.

Classes are taught primarily in the evening; however, some day and weekend classes are also offered.

                    

Location of Course Offerings: Cullowhee and Biltmore Park

Admission Requirements:

• Graduate School Admission Requirements
• Program Admission Requirements
  • GRE General Exam
    • For applicants who took the GRE within the last ten years and prior to October 1, 2002, a score of 900 or higher using the analytical + verbal or analytical + quantitative.
    • For applicants who took the GRE on or after October 1, 2002, a score of 4 or higher on the writing section and at least one score on the verbal or quantitative section that is 450 or higher.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework (GPA calculator).
  • A typewritten goal statement addressing specific questions is required.
    • Applicants should follow these guidelines in formatting the goal statement: 3 pages maximum, 1-inch margins, 12-point type with Times or New Times Roman font, and double space.
    • Respond to the following four items in your statement:
      • 1. State the program to which you are making application (school or clinical mental health) and state your professional goals and aspirations.
      • 2. Describe your motivation for applying to the counseling program at Western Carolina University.
      • 3. Briefly describe formal and informal experiences that indicate your potential as an effective counselor with individuals and with groups.
      • 4. Preparation as a counselor requires an openness to self-examination for the purpose of growing professionally and personally. Describe personal characteristics that reflect your willingness to engage in such a self-examination process.
  • Three letters of recommendation (we prefer that recommendations be academic or employment-related)
  • Applicants will be screened and qualified individuals will be invited for an interview. The interview is a major criterion in the selection process.

Application Deadline: February 1

Prerequisites: Up to nine hours of coursework may be required to supplement undergraduate education.

Number of Graduate Faculty: 6

Number of Students: 40  

Graduate Program Director:
Dr. Lisen Roberts
Department of Human Services
828-227-2291
lroberts@wcu.edu